Ambleside Lantern Parade - November 2015

We happened to be in Ambleside for my father in law's 85th birthday, the same day as Father Christmas arrives from Lake Windermere. (I know that's not the traditional standpoint on his home and transportation, but it was timetabled on the internet, so it must be true.)

We needed to walk Usko, so we went down in to the village to look at the sunset over the lake. We were not disappointed!

Moon rising over Waterhead

We decided to head in to the town itself to see what was occurring.  We were overtaken on the road (for he had changed mode of transport) by FC himself - but photos didn't come out well. So I shall just let you imagine the magic. Ahem.

View back towards the road

 When we got to the park's edge, we realised we were at the back of the Lantern Parade, which follows the bearded man up through the town.  As he passes through, Christmas lights flash in to life. Too bad we had to keep to the rear of the procession (Usko would have been a little too partial to herding the real life reindeer) so we didn't experience the 'switch on'. Mind you the lanterns were gorgeous, and I didn't tire of looking at them as we paraded at the back.

Boy1 had stayed in the flat all along, so there were only the 4 of us (humans) to enjoy the spectacle. Here we are...

We headed back to the flat, and enjoyed a cuppa then watched the firework display from comfortable armchairs.  And no, I can't operate my camera well enough to capture fireworks, so your imagination will have to come in to play again ;-)